Sunday, January 12, 2020

XD

When I first went shopping for a semi-auto, I was pretty much a rank beginner.  I had a bad trigger pull.  Flaws aplenty.

But you gotta start somewhere.

I tried out a lot semi-autos.  Generic black plastic striker fired pistols in 9mm.  A few magazines through each.  On more than one occasion.  M&P, Glock, XD, SIGs.  This was back in 2007 or so, so the SIG was probably metal.  The M&P was new on the scene.  Glock was Glock.

The pistol that, for me, grouped closest to the bullseye was the XD.  Glock was the worst.  I remember this distinctly.  If I reproduced this test now the results wouldn't look the same.  I might not be able to discern a difference now.

But back then, there was a difference.

And now I wonder why?

"I'll tell you why, T-Bolt!  The XD has a better grip angle than them dang Glocks.  That's why you shot it better!  Natural point of aim for you."

Yeah, I've heard that argument before.  But I'm not so sure it is the reason.  

Ironically, I never bought a generic black plastic striker fired pistols in 9mm.  My first 9mm was the Hudson!  Ha!  So, at least I do not have an XD to unload.

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Ooo, I just remembered.   I have a Colt 1911 on consignment.  I should check to see if it sold.   Maybe I'll buy an M&P with the proceeds....
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3 comments:

ASM826 said...

I had an XD. It was fine with jacketed ball ammo. However, in the design, the angle of the round at the top of the magazine is is such that it puts the nose of the bullet in the path of the extracting case. With round nose jacket bullets it pushes the round back down and everything works, the high presentation of the next round ensures reliable feeding.

However, if you are using lead bullets, or lightly plated bullets, the extracting case hits the nose of the bullet in the magazine and stops the slide. The case jams the gun, sometimes it strips the next round, sometimes not, but it requires dropping the magazine and locking the slide back to clear it when it jams.

Here's a drawing of the problem. You find discussions of it in the XD forums, sometimes correctly diagnosed.

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OneHozCtRpA/Xhsh1Z769DI/AAAAAAAAPNg/qprVyzN7584DZAph-0W3RR7UDV4W3O2YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/xd_extraction.jpg

I sold the gun. I primarily shoot reloads and went back to my 1911.

January 12, 2020 at 8:43 AM
Ritchie said...

I currently favor my XD-M in 10mm. Part of what interested me was that video of 1 gun shooting many thousands of rounds without a malfunction. I've shot probably a couple of thousand rounds of handloads with plated bullets, plastic coated bullets, XTP hollow points, and Hornady Critical Duty factory loads. No malfunctions so far. None. Zebra zebra november. And the trigger is reasonably nice too. Way better than that stupid Glock 20 that's down in the bottom of the safe somewhere. Springfield Armory did not compensate me in any way. I bought it all myself.

January 12, 2020 at 12:10 PM
Ritchie said...

Having viewed the print in question, it appears that the magazine or bullet nose is not the problem. At the point illustrated, the new round is not up to the feed lips yet and the nose of the bullet is likewise not available for impact. The point of stoppage is shown at the bullet's shoulder, which is easily remedied. Something like the Lee TL356-124-TC does nicely. I have the mould right here. It also works nicely in revolvers. I do note that if a 1911 has insufficient extractor tension, the last rounds in the magazine may fall off the breech face and be pushed into the side of the barrel when the slide returns. The diagnostic is diametrical dents in the case mouth. So that's what does that!

January 12, 2020 at 12:37 PM

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